JPAM UPDATE
Subject: News on Action Towards Joint Protected Area Management

No. 18	October 1998	

EDITORIAL

UNDERMINING PROTECTED AREAS AND PEOPLE…
Protected areas and other natural habitats have always been under threat,
especially so since the from the liberalised economic policies that were
introduced by the Congress Government. in 1991, and which are being
followed by every successive government regardless of their political
colour. This issue has six cases of destruction underway or threatened by
mining. Mineral prospecting and extraction from protected areas has always
been a major threat, but has now assumed menacing proportions because of
the liberalised mining policy of the government; the entry of the world's
biggest mining interests into the Indian economy; and the rapid increase in
demand for minerals for export and industrial use.
Little hesitation has been demonstrated by state and central governments
appear to dereserve, denotify, or in other ways open out wildlife habitats
for such activities. The fact that many of these habitats are also home to,
or the resource catchments of, tribal and other forest-dwelling
communities, adds to the sense of alarm… but also provides yet another
opportunity for conservationists and social activists to join hands rather
than fight against each other.
We must be able to collectively respond to this threat, whether it is in
Kudremukh, Bhadra, Palamau/Hazaribagh, Kanha, Kutch, or elsewhere. Apart
from grassroots resistance, legal action (see Kudremukh in this issue), and
other means, we should also demand that the Mining Policy of the government
explicitly state that ecologically and culturally sensitive areas will be
off-limits to mining activities. 
The repercussions of the WWF petition on protected areas in the Supreme
Court, which we have reported about in the past few issues of the Update,
continue to be felt in various parts of the country (see NATIONAL NEWS FROM
INDIA). Agitations against feared displacement, demands for denotification
(alarmingly supported by some Chief Wildlife Wardens and many District
Collectors), harassment in the rights settlement procedure…. the sequence
of events that were predicted by some of us when the Court ordered
settlement of rights within one year in all PAs (see JPAM Update 15), are
indeed taking place now. Some local organisations, with help from
Delhi-based groups, are filing an intervention to apprise the Court of the
serious nature of the consequences, and to seek a more just and sensible
process of settlement.
Fortunately, WWF-India, which has otherwise not been pro-active in
responding to the situation created by its petition, has agreed to go along
with the intervention in spirit. If admitted (a big IF), this intervention
may partly defuse the crisis, but nevertheless in many parts of the
country, our protected area network and its inhabitants (wildlife and
human) are going to suffer grievously if hasty actions are taken by
district authorities. On the positive side are instances such as the
unusual stand taken by the DCF (Wildlife), Anshi National Park (see NEWS
FROM INDIAN PROTECTED AREAS). 
Also on the positive side, a meeting of forest officials, NGOs, independent
wildlifers, and social activists was held to discuss the future of wildlife
conservation in Maharashtra. The meeting was marked by frank and open
discussions, and its recommendations bring hope that a more participatory
and effective mode of conservation is going to emerge (see NEWS FROM INDIAN
STATES). 



NEWS FROM INDIAN PROTECTED AREAS

ANDHRA PRADESH
Prospecting for uranium in Nagarjunsagar-Srisailam Tiger Reserve
The State government has agreed to allow the Atomic Mineral Division (AMD)
for exploration of uranium deposits in about 7 sq.km. of the
Nagarjunasagar-Srisailam Tiger Reserve at Chitrial in Guntur district,
Andhra Pradesh. A communication to this effect was sent to AMD director K.
K. Dwivedi on July 20, after a two-year protracted wrangle between AMD and
the State government. The government was initially reluctant to hand over
the forest land and sanctuary to the AMD, as this would defeat the aim of
protecting wildlife and habitat. However, in recent months, following
several requests from the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE), officials of
the Forest Department and AMD conducted several inspections at the
sanctuary and found "no wildlife activity in the sanctuary at all", and
only "shrubs and scanty vegetation on account of massive deforestation". 
According to sources, the allotment of the sanctuary to the AMD would give
a tremendous boost to their uranium exloration works, essential for atomic
energy and development of nuclear technology. Preliminary studies at the
sanctuary site indicated that the area had the potential to yield 30
million tonnes of uranium ore deposits (valued at Rs 50 lakh per tonne).
Presently only three other States -- Bihar, Meghalaya and Karnataka -- are
rich in uranium deposits. The uranium deposits found in Andhra Pradesh are
said to be of superior quality than that of even Bihar, where it was first
discovered in the 1970s. Hence, Andhra Pradesh is being considered by the
DAE as the best prospect for future uranium requirements. 
Source: Deccan Chronicle, quoted in e-mail from K. Jagdish on
nathistory-india@lists.princeton.edu dated 24/7/98. 
ASSAM
SOS : Catastrophe at Kaziranga
Manju Barua, a member of the Indian Board for Wildlife, and the NGO
Aaranyak Nature Club, have reported that the worst flood in recent history
in the Brahmaputra river valley has taken a terrible toll of wildlife at
Kaziranga National Park. The entire protected area has been swamped with
water, and rhinos and elephants have moved to high ground in thickly
inhabited human areas including into cowsheds and tea estates. The
Government of Assam simply does not have the infrastructure to deal with a
crisis of this proportion. And what little facilities they have are
understandably diverted for thinly distributed relief of human communities.

The floods hit Kaziranga in three waves this year, in May, June and
September. Normally the flood waters recede in three to seven days, but
this year, allegedly because of severe deforestation of upstream catchments
in the Brahmaputra Valley, the flood has lasted for weeks on end. As a
result serious damage has been caused to the food sources of animals such
as rhinos, elephants, deer and wild pigs. The crops of the neighbouring
villages have also been destroyed by flood waters. Wildlife has been forced
to move away from the protected area of Kaziranga and are now reported in
areas of human habitation.
Hundreds of deer and wild pigs have been drowned, and a large number that
escaped drowning are reportedly being slaughtered by poachers. According to
the Aaranyak, the casualties so far reported are: 500 deer drowned, 200
killed by people, 32 rhinos drowned, 2 killed by people; also believed to
be affected is the population of about 500 swamp deer. 60% of the rhinos
are anticipated to have left the Park and poaching gangs have moved in on
them. Forest Guards are hopelessly outnumbered by these poachers.
Meanwhile, the Chief of Army Staff at a meeting in Bombay, has also offered
to help by getting his jawans to take up rehabilitation or other work;
however, he needs to first be formally requested by the Assam Government. 

APPEAL FOR FUNDS FOR KAZIRANGA…
Manju Barua and NGOs he is associated with have taken it upon themselves to
borrow or otherwise raise money to mitigate the tragedy. They feel that by
focussing their efforts on relief to the human population living in and
around Kaziranga, they will be able to prevent humans from turning on wild
animals; funds will of course also go to direct relief measures for
affected wildlife.
Contributions can be made by bank drafts (payable at Guwahati) in favour
of: 'Wildlife Areas Development and Welfare Trust'. All these should be
sent to Manju Baruah (address below). 
Aaranyak is also collecting donations for wildlife relief work; donations
should go in the name of 'Aaranyak Nature Club', and can be wired directly
to their bank ((Bank A/C No. 9387, Punjab National Bank, Zoo Road Branch,
Guwahati). 
Source: Emails from Bittu Sahgal, through August-September 1998; Email from
Bibhab K. Talukdar, Aaranyak, 17/9/98. 

Contact: Manju Barua, Wild Grass,107, M.C. Road, Uzanbazaar, Guwahati 781
001, Assam. Tel: (Guwahati) 91-361-546 827; (Wild Grass) 91-377-662 437.
Fax: 91-361-541 186 or 520 348.
Aaranyak Nature Club, Samanwoy Path (Survey), P.O. Beltola, Guwahati 781
028, Assam. Tel: 91-361-566 087. Email: bibhab@gw1.vsnl.net.in.

New Sanctuary Proposed in Dibrugarh Forest Division
Nature's Beckon, an environmental activist NGO, has proposed to the
Government of Assam to declare Jaipur, Dirak and West block of Upper Dihing
Reserve Forest areas as a Wildlife Sanctuary. Jaipur Reserved Forest is
located along a part of the Dibrugarh Forest Division with the river
Buridihing flowing along its north-east boundary. This Reserved Forest
harbours many species of endangered animals including the Hoolock gibbon,
Capped langur, Assamese macaque, elephants, tigers, leopard and various
types of squirrels.
Nature's Beckon is well-known for its persistent efforts in getting the
Chakrashila forests, the southern-most range of the threatened Golden
langur, declared a sanctuary, for which they mobilised the local villagers
to great effect. 
Source: 'Nature's Beckon: Keen on the Conservation of Wildlife of Jaipur
Reserved Forest.' Nature's Beckon, Assam. 
Contact: Mridu Paban Phukan, Nature's Beckon, 'Datta Bari' Ward No.1,
Dhubri 783 301, Assam. Tel: 91-3662-21 067; Fax: 91-3662-20 076. 

GUJARAT
Kutch Projects Yet to Get Wildlife Clearance
The mineral mining projects proposed to come up in Kutch district, Gujarat
are on hold as they impinge on wildlife sanctuaries of the area. The
lignite, bauxite, bentonite and China clay deposits prospected by the Mines
Department have not been acquired for concession due to this constraint,
according to J V Bhatt, Additional Director of Geology and Mining,
government of Gujarat. Bhatt stated that sizeable reserves of these
minerals had been found in the Narayan Sarovar Wildlife Sanctuary.
It may be recalled in this connection that the current extent of the
Sanctuary (about 444 sq.km) is considerably smaller than what was
originally notified in 1981 (about 766 sq.km.); already almost half the
area has been denotified in 1995 to make way for mining and a cement
factory. Now it seems that 'development' may claim even more of this
habitat, which is amongst the last remaining for the threatened Chinkara,
Houbara and Great Indian bustard, and other wildlife species.
Mining officials said a study of the area should be carried out to
demarcate viable prime areas for wildlife conservation and assess the
environmental impact of existing and proposed industries near Narayan
Sarovar Sanctuary.
Source: Chakravorti, Tapan. 1998. 'Kutch Projects Yet to Get Wildlife
Clearance'. Financial Express. 30/8/98

KARNATAKA
High Court Takes Serious View of Mining in Kudremukh National Park
Based on a petition filed by the Environment Support Group, Nature
Conservation Guild, Save Western Ghats Movement, Nellibeedu Samraskhana
Samithi, and K. R. Sethna, former Member of the Indian Board for Wildlife,
the Division Bench of the Karnataka High Court has reviewed alleged
violations of the prospecting license conditions by Kudremukh Iron Ore
Company Ltd. (KIOCL) within the Kudremukh National Park. After considering
various options, the Bench directed the Petitioners to file a comprehensive
complaint to the Secretary of the Ministry of Environment and Forests
(MoEF) over the matter, and to demand corrective action. Further, the Bench
assured the petitioners that the writ petition itself would be treated as a
representation to the respondents.
The petitioners drew the attention of the Court to the actions of the MoEF,
the Karnataka State Forest Department, the Karnataka Department of Ecology
and Environment, and the Chief Wildlife Warden of Karnataka, for
fundamentally violating the Wild Life (Protection) Act 1972, in allowing
'prospecting' within the notified Kudremukh National Park for the benefit
of KIOCL, a public sector undertaking.
KIOCL, in utter contempt of the law, cut roads through the mountainous
tracts and endemic shola forests; engaged in blasting operations scaring
away the wildlife from the Nellibeedu region; drilled bore-wells on
Sujigudda mountain drying up streams and springs; and felled hundreds of
trees. This continued for over three years, and went unchecked by any of
the relevant government agencies, despite repeated protests and
representations, locally and nationally, by the petitioners, local elected
representatives, various experts and environmental groups. The petitioners
are now preparing a comprehensive complaint to the MoEF on the case. 
Source: Email from Environment Support Group, 28/8/98. 

Contact: Environment Support Group (ESG), Reservoir Road, Basavanagudi,
Bangalore 560 004. Telefax: 91-80-665 7995; Email:
admin@leo.ilban.ernet.in; esg@bgl.vsnl.net.in; Website:
http://www.cfar.umd.edu/~venu. 

Bhadra Sanctuary: Union Minister to Inspect Iron Ore Mines 
Union Minister for Environment and Forests Suresh Prabhu has agreed to
carry out a personal inspection of the Kemmanagundi iron ore mines of the
Visvesvaraya Iron and Steel Limited (VISL), Bhadravati, following a plea
from Shimoga MP, Ayanur Manjunath, to resume mining activity. The mines
have been closed because they are within the Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary.
Mr Manjunath said the Karnataka Government had recommended for renewal of
the VISL mining lease. He claimed that there was no forest as such at the
place where mining activity was carried out. The area, for which permission
for mining lease was requested, lay on the outer periphery of the
sanctuary, and would not affect flora and fauna in any manner.
As the mines were located partly within the forest land, the State
Government had sent a proposal to the MoEF for clearance as required under
the Forest (Conservation) Act, so that the renewal of the mining lease
could be granted to the VISL. The proposal was still pending in the MoEF.
The NGO Kalpavriksh has sent a letter to Prabhu (in September 1998),
expressing concern regarding this move, and asking him to reject any
proposal for restarting mining here. 
Sources: 'Union Minister to Inspect Kemmanagundi Iron Ore Mines'. Deccan
Herald, 29/8/98; Letter of 2/9/98 from Pankaj Sekhsaria, Kalpavriksh, to
Suresh Prabhu, MoEF. 

Contact: ESG (see above, for Kudremukh). 

Anshi National Park: Agitation Against Involuntary Displacement
Local communities inside the Anshi National Park in Karnataka are opposing
what they fear is a move to displace them from the Park. In response to a
March 1998 proclamation of the Asst. Commissioner, Karwar for the
settlement of rights (in pursuance of the Supreme Court's directions in the
WWF case, see NATIONAL NEWS FROM INDIA), the Anshi Udyanavan Punaravasti
Virodhi Samiti ('Anshi National Park Resettlement Opposition Committee')
has in a letter dated 9th May 1998, expressed their opposition to any plans
to move them out, and have stressed that they are the ones who have
protected and helped regenerate the forests in the area.
Significantly, in an independent letter to the Conservator of Forests,
Wildlife North Circle, Shimoga, the Deputy Conservator, Wildlife Division,
Dandeli, too has suggested that the resettlement of people from the Park is
not a good idea. According to him many of the management activities in the
protected area involving labour are carried out by the local people, and
their co-operation is needed to provide social fencing which will protect
the National Park. Any attempt at resettlement will only further antagonise
the already agitating people and will be a very futile and
counter-productive step. He has suggested that instead, their settlements
should become 'enclaves', physically located inside the boundaries of the
Park but legally excluded from it. 
(Ed. note: The DCF's suggestion for enclaves or enclosures has precedence
in Karnataka, where several PAs have such an arrangement. Ref: Lal, R.,
Kothari, A., Pande, P., and Singh. S. 1994. Directory of National Parks and
Sanctuaries in Karnataka. Indian Institute of Public Administration, New
Delhi.)

KERALA 
Tribal colony in Peechi Sanctuary under Naxalite control? 
Trouble may be brewing in the Peechi Wildlife Sanctuary. The
Thamaravallachal tribal colony, situated just 3 km from the Peechi
reservoir, is spread over a patch of more than 100 acres of reserved
forest, with a population of about 500 men, women and children.
Government officials allege that this village is now virtually under the
control of CPI-ML (Red Flag), a faction of Naxalites who physically
prevents the entry of any non-member irrespective of his official status,
to the colony.
According to the Superintendent of Police, A. Hemachandran, the police do
not take much action partly because there is no immediate law and order
issue and the area is under the jurisdiction of the Forest Department.
According to the SP, the tribals fall prey to the 'extremist' groups mainly
because of poverty. If adequate measures for their welfare were taken,
tribals would be prevented from turning to the extremists.
The tribal community is demanding its rights to the land and forests,
arguing that they acquired the relevant skills and expertise to protect
forests through generations. However, owing to the inaccessibility of the
colony for over a decade, the Forest Department has been in the dark about
the developments there.
As per the existing laws, the state government cannot allocate the land
encroached upon since January 01, 1977 to the encroachers. It cannot even
demarcate the boundaries of land under the possession of encroachers since
January 01, 1977, as it would amount to granting permission to encroachers
to occupy the forest land under their unauthorised possession. The Forest
Department, therefore, could not take any action to contain the expansion
of the colony and keep a watch on the activities of its members.

MAHARASHTRA
Melghat Tiger Reserve: Destructive Development
Two projects are causing serious concern about the future of the Melghat
Tiger Reserve: the first is a highway being built through the Reserve; the
second a pumped storage scheme in the adjacent area. 
The road works undertaken in the Melghat Tiger Reserve, against which NGOs
have been agitating for months, have been found to have violated the Forest
(Conservation) Act of 1980. The work has now been stopped and an FIR is
being prepared against the Contractor. But, the question that Kishor Rithe,
the Hon. Wildlife Warden of Amravati correctly asks is "What were the Field
Director and the Chief Wildlife Warden of Maharashtra doing while the
violations were on and all of us were complaining almost daily about it?"
The situation now is that the Executive Engineer of PWD and CF are liable
for punishment.
Some years ago, when around 4,000 tribal children died in the Melghat area
due to so-called 'malnutrition', almost no rise in the normal infant
mortality was observed in the 57 forest villages inside the Melghat Tiger
Reserve. This could be because quite apart from fresh and safe drinking
water, the Korku communities had access to tubers, roots, creepers, wild
fruit, fish, crabs and other such life supporting resources. These
communities will probably have to face outside "competition" as the roads
that have been constructed now enable outsiders in vehicles to enter the
very heart of the forest.
The Chikhaldara Reserved Forest surrounds the proposed Chikhaldara Pumped
Storage Project (CPSP) site on all four sides - a dense mixed 'A' class
forest with old growth trees including teak and a reported evidence of
tigers. These forests are contiguous with the Melghat Tiger Reserve and
serve as both corridor and buffer for the TR. Contrary to the information
provided by the Chief WL Warden, the CPSP is a mere 4 km away from the
Sanctuary, and 6-7 km from the NP boundary (core area). Any construction
that involves non-forest purpose could contravene SC instructions,
irrespective of its status as a PA or otherwise. 
As per Indian Board for Wildlife/Project Tiger stipulations, no project is
allowed within 10 km. radius of the boundary of a Project Tiger Reserve. As
per the EIA report, the following endangered species have been recorded at
this site: tiger, panther, bear, flying squirrel, giant squirrel, rattel,
python, gaur, nilgai, sambar, pangolin. It is highly undesirable that such
prime habitat be destroyed for this project. 
The proposed project requires about 144 ha of forest land, for submergence
(almost 100 ha.), colony, quarries, etc. Much of this forest is reportedly
of density higher than 0.4. According to the EIA report, the land falling
under submergence is proposed from 4 villages with a total area of 104.36
ha. (Forest land/Revenue land). Though the project report is claiming that
no gaunthan (village common land, for grazing and other uses) will be
affected, it is important to study any direct or indirect effect of the
same (e.g. through agricultural changes).
The project being located in the reserved forest, violates the provisions
of the Forest (Conservation) Act 1980. In addition, the Gawaligarh Fort,
just one km away from the project site, is an important ASI/State
Archaelogical Monument, but is not mentioned in the EIA. The influx of more
than 1,300 labourers could drive away all the wildlife in the area. The
pipes and tunnels between the lower and upper reservoirs will become an
artificial barrier for the wildlife. NGOs are demanding that this project
should be rejected at the outset.
Source: E-mails from Bittu Sahgal, 04/18/98 and 11/08/98, on
nathistory-india@lists.princeton.edu. 

Contact: Kishor Rithe, Honorary Wildlife Warden, 'Prathishtha', Bharat
Nagar, Akoli Rd., Near Sainagar, Amravati 444 605, Maharashtra. Tel:
91-721-672 359; Email: ncsa@bom3.vsnl.net.in.
Bittu Sahgal, Sanctuary Magazine, 602 Maker Chambers V, Nariman Point,
Mumbai 400 021. Fax: 91-22-287 4380; Email: bittu@giasbm01.vsnl.net.in.

Village Protection Force for Tadoba-Andhari
A progressive partnership between the Forest Department and local
communities, which was developing in the Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve,
recently received a rude shock when a tribal youth was killed allegedly by
vested interests. Under the centrally sponsored ecodevelopment programme, a
Adivasi Youth Wildlife Protection Committee was established for the
Reserve. Five youths from six tribal villages situated in and on the
periphery of the Andhari Wildlife Sanctuary were trained and their services
utilised for the protection of wildlife and its habitat in the Tiger
Reserve. Ten protection huts were constructed in different parts of the
Reserve and patrolling parties were stationed at these huts in order to
curb illegal activities. The Committee's first success was the nabbing of
22 poachers from Jabalpur, after which several illicit bamboo cutters were
caught. 
Research undertaken by people from the Nagpur University suggests that the
Forest Department and the local tribals were working out a meaningful
partnership. However, in May 1998, one of the tribals, Vinod Sidam, was
found murdered. The Forest Department reportedly moved fast to arrange
compensation, but some local politicians have doubted its handling of the
situation and complicated the matter. 
Source: 'New Protection Force for TATR', Tigerlink News, Vol.4, No.2,
September 1998

Contact: Rucha Ghate / Mukund Kulkarni, Postgradugate Training Dept.,
Economics Dept., Nagpur University Campus, Amravati Road, Nagpur,
Maharashtra. 

ORISSA
Major Port Proposed near Bhitarkanika Sanctuary 
The Orissa Chief Minister has laid the foundation stone for a major port to
be built on the left bank of the Dhamra River (the Bhitarkanika Sanctuary
is on the right bank). Forest clearance was not sought though the site lies
in the Banipahi forest range near Chandinipal. It is a CRZ I area, thick
with mangroves and is part of the proposed extension of the Bhitarkanika
National Park for which a draft notification was issued in 1988.
Recent amendments to the Coastal Regulation Zone Rules have provided a very
small loophole, which the State government is trying to exploit to avoid
environmental clearance. The amendment allows the Surface Transport
Ministry at the Centre to give environmental clearance if the existing port
or harbour is expanded or modernises "within port limits." The government
is taking the position that in the 19th and the early part of the 20th
century, a port existed at Dhamra! Unless there is massive protests and
resistance at this stage itself, Bhitarkanika may well be lost forever. 
Source: E-mail from Bittu Sahgal 26/07/98

PUNJAB
Harike Wetland Conservation Mission
The Punjab government has constituted a Harike Wetland Conservation Mission
with the aim of safeguarding the future of this lake. Situated 55 km south
of Amritsar, Harike is the largest wetland in northern India. It is a vital
winter home of an enormous concentration of migratory waterfowl, including
a number of globally threatened species. Harike's shallow reservoir was
created in 1953 by the construction of a barrage at the confluence of the
Sutlej and Beas rivers. It was declared a 41 sq.km wildlife sanctuary in
1982, and later enlarged to 86 sq.km.
Considered a wetland of international importance, it was included in the
list of Ramsar sites in 1990. Like many wetlands in India, Harike has
considerable human use of its resources, including fishing, grazing, and
use of water for irrigation. There are also several perceived problems,
including silting and shrinking of the water body, water hyacinth
infestation, encroachment, and water pollution.
The Mission has been asked to review all existing management plans and
submit a comprehensive report within one month. The long term objective is
to prepare an integrated masterplan for the conservation and management of
Harike lake and the development of the region around it; screening, and
monitoring of development activities, and evaluation of plans and proposals
of departments of the Government which concern the future of Harike.
Source: Email from Belinda Wright, 23/07/98, on nathistory-india@lists.
princeton.edu. 

Contact: Belinda Wright, Wildlife Protection Society of India (WPSI),
Thapar House, 124 Janpath, New Delhi 110 001. Tel.: 91-11-621 3864; Fax:
91-11-336 8729; Email: blue@nda.vsnl.net.in. 

UTTAR PRADESH
Rajaji National Park - A Breakthrough?
The Friends of Doon Society (FDS), a Dehradun-based NGO, have reported that
there is some progress on the move to relocate Gujjars outside the Rajaji
National Park. On a visit to the Park, the former Minister for Environment
and Forests Saifuddin Soz, accompanied by the Park Director and senior
officials of the Ministry, was shown the degradation taking place in the
area. He also met many Gujjars inside the Park.
The Minister reviewed with the Park authorities and the Chief WL Warden of
UP some pressing problems, such as restoration of green corridor connecting
the two halves of the Park at Raiwala, and widening the bridge at the
Chilla Hydel Power Channel to enable elephants and other animals to cross.
Addressing a deputation of Gujjars, Prof. Soz categorically ruled out any
consideration of a proposal mooted by a local NGO (Rural Litigation and
Entitlement Kendra) to hand over the Park to the Gujjars. He advised them
instead to give up the idea of living inside the Park. The UP government
has since then forwarded the proposal for the allocation of two acres of
land to each Gujjar family.
FDS also reports that the Pathri rehabilitation colony, which now has 150
Gujjar families, has been significantly improved, and there is a vocational
training centre for the residents which includes training in tailoring and
electrician's work. 
One wonders, however, why there is not similar enthusiasm amongst urban
conservationists to save Rajaji from the ravages of railway lines,
highways, the IDPL/BHEL factories, the Haridwar district headquarters, the
army ammunition dump, the demands for fuel/timber by Dehra
Dun/Rishikesh/Haridwar which are met by illegal felling, and dozens of
other 'developmental' and commercial activities which are eating away the
Park's habitat?
Source: 'Rajaji National Park - A Breakthrough', The Friends of the Doon
Society Newsletter, Winter 1997-98

Contact: P.K. Ghosh, Friends of Doon Society, c/o EBD Business Centre, 49
Rajpur Road, Dehra Dun 248001. Tel: 91-135-654 487. 



Poachers benefit as Corbett Park staff denied entry into Park
The Irrigation Department has reportedly banned the entry of forest
officials in or near the dam at Kalagarh, where it controls the functioning
of a 178 sq.km. reservoir running through the heart of the Corbett Tiger
Reserve. The Forest Guards are even being denied access to speed boats
without which they are unable to reach Sonanadi Sanctuary, which forms the
western part of the Tiger Reserve, for normal day-to-day patrolling.
Apparently this step was taken after Park staff caught six Irrigation
Department officials catching fish from the reservoir, an offence under the
Wild Life (Protection) Act. The Irrigation Dept., however, claims that all
vehicular movement (for all departments) has been stopped to ensure the
safety of the dam during the monsoons, and this has nothing to do with the
fishing incident. 
The Chief Wildlife Warden of UP, R.L.Singh, feels that if the situation
persists for long, it would create havoc for the Reserve as poachers may
have a free hand.
Source: Suri, A. 1998. 'Advantage Poachers as Departments Wage a Battle'.
Indian Express, 28/8/98. 
Contact: Field Director, Corbett Tiger Reserve, Forest Department, Ramnagar
244 715, District Nainital, Uttar Pradesh. 

Dudhwa National Park on Way to Recovery
Effective habitat management and positive interaction of the Park
authorities with local communities, are helping in the revival of Dudhwa
National Park. According to the findings of a six-year study conducted by
Dr. Salim Javed, Aligarh Muslim University, the status of the terai
grasslands, which had earlier suffered considerably due to habitat
destruction, is now showing positive improvement, thanks to sustained
conservation efforts in recent years. 
The presence of large numbers of rare species of birds including Swamp
francolin and Black stork, bear testimony to the "improved ecological
status of the park". 
Further details of what kind of local community and other inputs are being
provided, have been sought from Dr. Javed. 
Source: Hasan, Tariq. 'Project Helps Improve Dudhwa Park Ecology'. Times of
India, 23/6/98

Contact: Dr. Salim Javed, Centre of Wildlife and Ornithology, Aligarh
Muslim University, Aligarh 202 002, Uttar Pradesh.

NEWS FROM INDIAN STATES

BIHAR
Railway Threatens Wildlife Corridor
The auxillary double loop railway line being built for Central Coalfields
Ltd. (North Karanpur Coalfields Project), a subsidiary of Coal India Ltd.,
is being laid partly through old sal (Shorea robusta) forests that form a
forest corridor for wildlife in the area. This corridor directly connects
the Satpahar Range with Palamau forests to the east. Satpahar itself
connects through the corridor of open woodland into the Mahudi Range that
runs the length of the North Karanpur valleys and forms the last link to
Hazaribagh on the north bank of river Damodar. Both Palamau and Hazaribagh
have protected areas, the former a Tiger Reserve. 
This forested area is interspersed with tribal hamlets, many of which will
be displaced by the rail project. Also affected will be ancient mesolithic
(c. 8000 BC) rock art sites which are world-famous. The World Bank, which
is financially supporting the project, has been fully apprised of the
situation and they plan to study the damage by CCL's mining operations
before going ahead with their loan. Local NGOs have alleged that if the
plans for all the mines in the area are allowed to go ahead, they will
annihilate all existing forest corridors. 
The good news is that, the Hurilong Underground Coal Mine Project of CCL
was rejected at the last MoEF Expert Committee on Mining in June 1998. The
project required 165.93 ha of forest land next to Palamau Tiger Reserve.
The mouth of the proposed mine was to be situated only 1.5 km from the
Reserve boundary and the underground mining would have taken place inside. 
Sources: Krishnan Kutty, on nathistory-india@lists.princeton.edu, 16/07/98;
and Tigerlink News, Vol.4, No.2, September 1998. See also articles by
Philip Carter in Sanctuary Asia (Vol. VIII(5), 1997); CSE Change, 15 Sept.
1998; The Ecologist Asia (Vol. 6(2), March-April 1998); and Cheetal, Vol.
36(3&4). 

Contact: Krishnan Kutty, E-mail: 6wwc@sparrl.com.
Bulu Imam, INTACH, The Grove, Hazaribagh 825 301, Bihar. 

KARNATAKA

The Karnataka Tiger Conservation Project 
The Karnataka Tiger Conservation Project (KTCP) was launched in January
1998 to strengthen the conservation status of four important tiger habitats
in Karnataka - Nagarahole, Bandipur, Kudremukh and Bhadra - through
field-oriented protection and community involvement activities. It is
supported by the Wildlife Conservation Society (USA) in collaboration with
the Karnataka Forest Department, Wildlife First!, and other NGOs.
Since its inception, the KTCP has implemented several activities such as
providing jeeps in important ranges of the four protected areas for
patrolling; protection and fire control duties; staff training and welfare
activities; training camps to improve field craft, anti-poaching and
protection skills of field staff; an innovative scheme for providing
insurance cover to field staff; educational campaign about the negative
impact of forest fires; and community contact programmes including talks
and slide shows.
After considerable lobbying and follow up, the voluntary resettlement and
relocation programme of tribal families is likely to be taken up soon with
all governmental clearances and funding in place. Due to pressure from
Wildlife First!, this year no permits were issued for bamboo removal from
Bhadra Sanctuary by the Mysore Paper Mills or for supply to artisans.
Source: 'KTCP-update'. Tigerlink News, Vol. 4 No.2, September 1998. 

Contact: Wildlife First!, 248, 4th Main Road, Chamrajpat, Bangalore 560
018, Karnataka. 

MAHARASHTRA

Workshop on Protected Areas in Maharashtra
The Maharashtra Forest Department called a meeting, 'Biodiversity
Conservation in Maharashtra: Vision Beyond 200' on 3-4 September 1998 at
Nagpur, to discuss various issues relating to the management of protected
areas and other conservation matters in the state. The meeting was spurred
by the preparation of a Directory of National Parks and Sanctuaries in
Maharashtra, part of a series of directories being produced at the Indian
Institute of Public Administration (and now being produced by an
independent team of researchers, funded by WWF-India). This Directory is in
a draft stage, and its authors felt that a discussion on the various issues
raised during its compilation would help both in its finalisation and be an
occasion to take decisions regarding the future of wildlife conservation in
Maharashtra. 
Over 100 persons from the Forest Department, conservation and social action
NGOs, and independent wildlifers attended the meeting. Discussions were
held on management, research and monitoring, awareness/education,
conservation and development interface, and other issues. Though the topic
of the workshop was conservation in general, much of the discussion was
focused on PAs. 
The recommendations of the workshop are being finalised by the Forest
Department; a first draft of these recommendations has critical points: the
need to strengthen the legal and other capacities of the PA staff, joint
custodianship of PAs with local communities, guaranteeing the right to life
(including to bona fide biomass resources) of local communities, strong
steps against destructive developmental and commercial activities in and
around PAs, the need for conservation measures across the entire landscape
and not just restricted to PAs, etc. 
Contact: M.G. Gogate, Chief Wildlife Warden (Maharashtra), Jaika Building,
Civil Lines, Nagpur 440 001, Maharashtra. Fax: 91-712-552 518; 536 669. 

Meeting of People Affected by PAs in Western Maharashtra
A meeting was held at the Tata Institute of Social Sciences, Mumbai, on 7
September 1998, of villagers affected by protected areas in western
Maharashtra including Bhimashankar, Koyna, Radhanagari, Malvan,
Harishchandragad and Kalsubai Sanctuaries. Among the issues discussed were
the situation arising from the WWF - India case regarding settlement of
rights of people in PAs (see NATIONAL NEWS), and the proposed changes in
the Wild Life (Protection) Act 1972. A resolution was adopted at the
meeting. 
Contact: Kusum Karnik, Shaswat, At and PO Manchar, District Pune 410 503,
Maharashtra.




ORISSA
GOI Announces Project Turtle; Orissa Govt. Moves to Build Port 
As reported in JPAM Update 15, thousands of sea turtles are being killed
every year off the coast of Orissa, mainly due to the indiscriminate
fishing practices of trawlers. Bivash Pandav, a researcher of the Wildlife
Institute of India, who has personally walked the length of the nesting
beaches of the Olive Ridley turtle in Orissa, estimates the total mortality
this year at over 13,500.
This is an epidemic of major proportions, entirely human-made (and not
caused, as one imaginative official of the Orissa government said, due to
fatigue during the turtles' migration!). 
In August, responding to national and international calls for action, the
Government of India announced a major programme called Project Turtle,
conceived by scientists of the WII. The Ministry of Environment and Forests
committed about Rs. 1 crore for stepped-up patrols of the waters to prevent
turtles from being snared in shrimp baskets and other nets. It also hopes
to get US$ 5 million over five years from the Global Environment Facility
for more sustained conservation efforts, like tracking turtle migration
routes by satellite. 
In a move that could undermine the above efforts, however, the Orissa Chief
Minister laid the foundation stone for a major port to be built on the left
bank of the Dhamra River. The Bhitarkanika National Park is on the right
bank of the same river! Banka Behari Das of the Orissa Krushak Mahasangh
alleges that this port will be in violation of the Forest Conservation Act
as also the CRZ regulations. The area is part of the proposed extension of
the Bhitarkanika National Park.
The Orissa Government is using a small loophole in the Coastal Regulation
Zone rules, which allows the Surface Transport Ministry, Government of
India, to give clearance if an existing port is being expanded --- the
government claims that in the 19th and early part of the 20th century, a
port existed at Dhamra!
Sources: Email from Bivash Pandav, 25/8/98; Science, Volume 281, Number
5384, 18 September 1998; mail from Banka Behari Das, 26/7/98. 

Contact: Bivash Pandav / B.C. Choudhury, Wildlife Institute of India, Post
Box 18, Chandrabani, Dehradun 248 001. Tel: 91-135-640 112-15; Fax:
91-135-640 117; Email: (for Choudhury) wii@wii.gov.in (for Pandav)
pandavb@yahoo.com.
Banka Behari Das, Orissa Krushak Mahasangh, Parivesh Bhavan, 14 Ashok
Nagar, Bhubaneshwar 751 009, Orissa. Tel: 91-674-400 305; Fax: 91-674-404
222. 

NATIONAL NEWS FROM INDIA

Voluntary Relocation Scheme for Protected Areas; and Note on 'Voluntary
Relocation'
The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment (MSJE) (formerly the
Ministry of Welfare), Government of India, under the leadership of Maneka
Gandhi, has proposed a scheme to reduce human-wildlife conflicts and
address the critical livelihood needs of people living inside PAs. The
scheme envisages financial support to NGOs in implementing voluntary
resettlement and rehabilitation programmes for such people, especially
those who are being denied developmental opportunities on account of the
Wild Life (Protection) Act. It is reported that the Planning Commission has
cleared about Rs. 25 crores for the scheme. 
However, the first draft of the scheme contains a series of fundamental
faults. The programme has the grandiose title of Scheme for Voluntary
Conservation of Nature by Tribals and Others, but has nothing to do with
such conservation within PAs. NGOs have criticised it on the following
counts:
for assuming that tribals can only participate in conservation by
voluntarily agreeing to move out
For not critically defining 'voluntary'
for not explicitly rejecting forced displacement, and
for not laying out essential aspects of what would constitute a fair
resettlement process (such as a public hearing, independent monitoring,
etc).
At a recent meeting, these points were put across to the MSJE, which has
promised to consider them in a revised draft. At the time of going to
press, it was not clear whether a revised version has come out. 

Meanwhile, in a follow-up to the Second Consultation on Wildlife
Conservation and People's Livelihood Rights, held in April 1998 (see JPAM
Update 17), Sunil of Kisan Adivasi Sanghatan, Kesla (MP) has prepared a
discussion note on what constitutes 'voluntary' relocation and what does
not. He has clearly distinguished between 'induced' and 'voluntary'
relocation, the first being a situation in which artificial conditions
(such as restrictions related to wildlife laws) force people to ask for
relocation.
A comment note on Sunil's draft has been prepared by Ashish Kothari of
Kalpavriksh. These two documents, along with the MSEJ's draft and
Kalpavriksh's critique, are currently under circulation for further
discussion, with the aim of coming out with a commonly acceptable
definition of what could constitute 'voluntary' relocation from PAs.
Readers wishing to have a copy of these documents may pl. contact the
Editors at the JPAM Update address (see end of newsletter). 
Sources: 'Scheme for Voluntary Conservation of Nature by Tribals and
Others', circulated by Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment vide
letter dated 29th June, 1998; comments on this Scheme by Ashish Kothari,
vide letter to the Ministry dated 2nd July 1998; Rashtriya Udhyano va
Abhyaranyon se Swaichhik aur Jabardasti Visthapan: Ek Tippani (in Hindi),
by Sunil, Kisan Adivasi Sanghatan; and comments on Sunil's note by Ashish
Kothari. 

Contact (for official scheme): Maneka Gandhi, Minister for Social Justice
and Empowerment, Shastri Bhawan, New Delhi 110 001.
For other notes, contact Editors at JPAM Update address. 

WWF implements Tiger Conservation Programme
WWF-India's Tiger Conservation Programme (TCP) is paying special attention
to reducing conflicts between wildlife and people living in and around
tiger reserves. A plan for providing immediate compensation for cattle
killed by tigers is being implemented in three states where the maximum
number of poisoning cases have been reported: Uttar Pradesh, Andhra
Pradesh, and Bihar. The compensation programme seeks to counter the added
threat to the Indian tiger, i.e. poisoning of tigers that are killing
livestock. Such poisoning has been reported from several reserves,
including Corbett and Dudhwa National Parks, U.P., and
Nagarjunasagar-Srisailam Sanctuary, A.P. (see JPAM Update 15). 

In association with local NGOs and/or the Forest Department, the programme
has started with activities in Corbett and Dudhwa National Parks and
Katerniaghat Sanctuary, U.P.; Nagarjunasagar-Srisailam and
Eturnagaram-Pakhal Sanctuaries, A.P., and Palamau Tiger Reserve, Bihar. 
Source: 'Reducing Human-Animal Conflicts', Tigerlink News, Vol.4, No.2,
September 1998

WWF Case on Protected Areas 
As reported in a previous issue of JPAM Update (No. 15), a petition filed
by the World Wide Fund for Nature - India in 1997, in the Supreme Court,
had sought directions to state governments to expeditiously implement the
Wild Life (Protection) Act 1972. Amongst the various interim orders passed
by the Court, one related to the settlement of rights of people living
inside or otherwise using protected areas.
The Court directed that such settlement should be carried out within one
year. NGO have subsequently pointed out that a hasty process of settlement
in which there are no clear guidelines, could be disastrous both for the
protected areas and for those communities who depend on the resources of
these areas. Some of the implications that were brought out by these NGOs,
have already started manifesting themselves in various parts of India. 
In Maharashtra, reportedly there are moves to delete substantial portions
of the PAs, in the mistaken belief that people will otherwise have to be
moved outside the boundaries. What happened with Melghat Sanctuary (which
was partially denotified in 1994, ostensibly to avoid having to shift
people out of a PA), could well happen to dozens of other PAs in the
country…a sad (but not unpredictable) consequence of the petition. In
Anshi, Karnataka (see story inside), local people are agitating against the
national park, fearing displacement (as was reported from several other PAs
in past issues of the Update). At a recent meeting of affected people in
Bombay, villagers from several PAs of Maharashtra asserted that they would
rather see the PAs denotified than to have to move out. 
An intervention is now being prepared by a number of environmental and
social action groups, most of whom are working with people in and around
protected areas. The intervention petition will argue that the settlement
process should be participatory so that everyone can have a fair say in
decision-making; that it should be culturally and socially sensitive; that
it should use a clear definition of 'rights' (which includes both recorded
or unrecorded customary rights), and should not presume that all rights
have to be extinguished, etc. 
WWF-India, while not being pro-active in trying to resolve the issue, has
nevertheless agreed to the idea, and has stated its preference for "a just
and participatory approach at all times". 
Readers are requested to send in any details that they think would have a
bearing on this case, especially if there are genuine instances of
violation of people's rights in the settlement process, examples of good
settlement processes happening, instances where district authorities,
forest officials, and local people are collaborating in the process, etc.
Any news especially on threatened denotification by state governments, may
pl. be brought to notice immediately; if the Editors of JPAM Update are
alerted, we will in turn send out an alert to others in the network. 
Contact (for the main case): Samar Singh, World Wide Fund for Nature -
India, 172 B, Lodi Estate, New Delhi 110 003. Tel: 91-11-461 6532; Fax:
91-11-462 6837.
(for the intervention): Farhad Vania / Sanjay Upadhyay, B39, Dainik Janyug
Aptmts., Vasundhara Enclave, Delhi 110096. Telefax: 91-11-2477375; Email:
fvania@ndb.vsnl.net.in (or) upadhyay@del3.vsnl.net.in.

INTERNATIONAL NEWS

Workshop on Collaborative Management of PAs in the Asian Region
As reported in JPAM Update 17, a workshop on the Collaborative Management
of PAs in the Asian Region was held at the Royal Chitwan National Park,
Nepal, on 25-28 May 1998. The workshop was aimed at discussing a proposal
for a regional programme to promote co-management (with a primary focus on
involving local communities in conservation) of PAs in several countries of
South and South-east Asia. The meeting was organised by IUCN-Nepal and the
King Mahendra Trust for Nature Conservation, with assistance from the
Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation, HM Government of
Nepal and IUCN"s World Commission on Protected Areas. 
A core working group formed during the workshop, which has subsequently met
and revised the proposal in the light of the participants' suggestions, has
subsequently finalised it at a meeting in Bangkok in August. The proposal,
after being discussed by a steering committee formed at the workshop, will
be sent for consideration by the interested donors. 
Contact: Scott Perkin, S. & SE. Asia Regional Biodiversity Programme, IUCN-
The World Conservation Union, No. 48, Vajira Road, Colombo 5, Sri Lanka.
Tel.: 94-74-510-517; Fax: 94-1-580-202; E-mail: scott@slt.lk. 
Krishna Oli, IUCN-Nepal, P.O.Box 3923, Kathmandu, Nepal. Tel.:
97-71-535-921; Fax: 97-71-536-786; E-mail: iucn@mos.com.np.

Initiatives by the World Commission on Protected Areas 
The World Commission on Protected Areas (WCPA), a global network of people
working on PAs, has come out with a series of interesting and innovative
ideas regarding the future of PAs. At a series of meetings (including a
5-year review of its global mandate, held in Albany, Australia, see JPAM
Update 15, and a Steering Committee meeting in June 1998) and related
processes, it has proposed or finalised the following: 
1.	A draft policy on PAs and indigenous peoples, jointly prepared by WWF
and IUCN (the World Conservation Union) staff, which stresses the need to
respect the rights of such peoples and involve them in the planning and
management of PAs; 
2.	A draft policy on mining and PAs, which stresses that no mining should
be allowed in most categories of PAs, and even in others, only localised
extraction under strict environmental supervision should be allowed; 
3.	A Task Force on Local Communities and Protected Areas. This task force
would be an inter-commission one, between the WCPA and IUCN's Commission on
Environmental Education and Social Planning (CEESP). 
4.	A Task Force on Management Effectiveness of PAs. 

Contact: David Sheppard, Head, Programme on Protected Areas, IUCN The World
Conservation Union, Rue Mauverney 28, Ch-1196, Gland, Switzerland. Tel:
41-22-999 0001; Fax: 41-22-999 0002; Email: das@hq.iucn.org.
WHAT'S AVAILABLE?

Dwivedi, Ranjit. 1997. Parks, People and Protest: The Mediating Role of
Environmental Action Groups. Sociological Bulletin, 46(2).
This paper focuses on analysing the effect and dynamics of the Jungle
Jeevan Bachao Yatra (reported in JPAM Update 2,3,4), which traversed
through several national parks and sanctuaries in central and western
India. Organised by a conglomerate of NGOs, conservation groups, grassroot
organisations and environmentalists, the aim of the march was a critical
assessment of official conservation policies and practices. Dwivedi feels
that though the Yatra raised critical issues and awareness, it portrayed a
somewhat romantic picture of rural India, and thereby lessened the chances
of true empowerment of local communities. 

Sivaganesan, N., Sivasubramanian, G., and Limatoshi, A.O. 1998. People
Participatory Approach for Conservation of Elephant Corridor - A Case Study
in the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve. Paper presented in the National Seminar
on Wildlife Conservation, Research and Management, Wildlife Institute of
India, Dehradun, 10-13 August, 1998.
A case study report on the pilot project launched by SACON and
Sathyamangalam Forest Division, focusing on providing alternatives to
fuelwood collectors in the forest corridors in the Nilgiri Biosphere
Reserve. Details of how these people were also involved in protection work,
including the creation of multi-stakeholder committees, are provided. 
Contact: N. Sivaganesan, Salim Ali Centre for Ornithology and Natural
History, Moongilpallam, Anaikatty (PO), Coimbatore 681 108, Tamil Nadu.
Tel: 91-422-807973; Fax: 91-422-807952.

Pabla, H.S. and Mathur, V.B. 1998. Policy Options for Wildlife Conservation
in India. Paper presented in the National Seminar on Wildlife Conservation,
Research and Management, Wildlife Institute of India, Dehra Dun, 10-13
August, 1998. 
This paper takes stock of the wildlife conservation policies in India,
admitting that past policies have created suffering and hostility among
local communities. It suggests some new initiatives for distributing costs
borne by such communities, treating over-abundant wildlife as local
resources, and proper rehabilitation of some villages from PAs.
Contact: V.B. Mathur, Wildlife Institute of India, P.O. Chandrabani, Dehra
Dun 248 001. Tel: 91-135-640112-15. Fax: 91-135-640117. Email:
wii@wii.gov.in.

Nath, Cheryl D. and Sukumar, R. 1998. Elephant-Human Conflict in Kodagu,
Southern India: Distribution Patterns, People's Perceptions and Mitigation
Methods. Asian Elephant Conservation Centre, Bangalore. Unpriced.
Report on a research project to study 'selected aspects of elephant-human
conflict', conducted in Kodagu district of Karnataka.
Contact: R. Sukumar, Asian Elephant Conservation Centre, Centre for
Ecological Sciences, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore 560 012, India.
Tel: 91-80-3092786; Fax: 91-80-3311280; Email: aecc@ces.iisc.ernet.in.

Gautam, R.C. and Bhartari, Rajiv. 1998. Jeev Vividhata Sanrakshan Me
Sahbhagita: Kyon aur Kaise? Corbett Tiger Reserve, Forest Department, Uttar
Pradesh. Unpriced.
A booklet in Hindi (roughly translating as 'People's Participation in
Biodiversity Conservation: How and Why?'), published by Corbett Tiger
Reserve as a part of its eco-awareness programme. It aims to sensitise and
inform forest department employees and officers about the importance of
strategies used with/by local communities to conserve biodiversity.
Contact: R. Bhartari, Dy. Field Director, Corbett Tiger Reserve, Ramnagar,
Dist. Nainital, Uttar Pradesh. Tel: 91-5945-85489; Fax: 91-5945-85376;
Email: rajiv.bhartari@lead.sprintrpg.ems.vsnl.net.in.

Kothari, A., Pathak, N., Anuradha, R.V., and Taneja, B. (eds.). 1998.
Communities and Conservation: Natural Resource Management in South and
Central Asia. UNESCO and Sage Publications, New Delhi. 506 pp., Rs. 325
(paperback); Rs. 495 (hardcover). 
A compilation of 25 papers on community involvement in conservation of
wildlife and biodiversity. Analytical pieces are complemented by country
overviews from India, the Maldives, Mongolia, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri
Lanka, and case studies from India and Sri Lanka. Both protected areas and
areas outside of PAs are covered. 

Sharma, Arpan. 1998. Implementation of the Relocation Plan in Kuno Wildlife
Sanctuary: An Assessment. Unpublished report. 
One of the few independent assessments made of a relocation programme from
a protected area. Palpur Kuno Wildlife Sanctuary in Madhya Pradesh is
slated to be the second home of the endangered Asiatic lion (to be
relocated here from Gir National Park in Gujarat), for which several
villages are being moved out of the sanctuary. Is the relocation voluntary?
What are the provisions? How is its implementation? These questions are
addressed by the author in this preliminary study.
Contact: Arpan Sharma, c/o College of Social Work, Nirmala Niketan, 38 New
Marine Lines, Mumbai 400 020. 

Report of the Expert Committee on Conferring Ownership Rights of MFPs on
Panchayats/Gram Sabhas. January 1998. Ministry of Environment and Forests,
Government of India. 93 pp.
With the enactment of the Panchayats (Extension to Scheduled Areas) Act of
1996, ownership of minor forest products has been transferred to the
tribals living in Scheduled Areas. This Committee, set up by the Ministry
of Environment and Forests, has gone into the implications of such
ownership. Arguing that the Act does not transfer absolute ownership (since
this could threaten forests and wildlife), the Committee has defined MFP
(basically excluding trees and bamboo/cane), recommended full usufructory
rights over such MFP to Gram Sabhas everywhere (not just Scheduled Areas),
except in protected areas, and suggested ways by which local people can get
maximum benefits from MFP without threatening the resource base.
The report does not suggest what should be done in the case of protected
areas (which it defines as not just national parks and sanctuaries but also
biosphere reserves), which is a major oversight considering the dependence
of communities on MFP within such areas. 
Contact: Ministry of Environment and Forests, Paryavaran Bhawan, CGO
Complex, Lodi Estate, New Delhi 110 003. 

UPCOMING...

Training Workshop On Wetland Research Methodology, January 5-10, 1999
As a part of its ongoing wetlands ecology, conservation and management
Programme, the Wildlife Institute of India is in the process of
consolidating wetland research methodology, and intends to develop a cadre
of biologists who could contribute significantly in wetland conservation.
Keeping this in view the Institute is planning to organise a one week
Training Workshop on Wetland Research Methodology. The course is intended
for research personnel from universities, research institutions, and
protected areas. An MSc in any branch of biological science, preferably
with 1-2 years of research experience in the field of wetland ecology,
conservation and management, is required. 
The workshop is field based and will be conducted at Chilika, Orissa with
additional field trip to Bhitarkanika Wildlife Sanctuary. There is no
course fee for the workshop. However, the participant will have to pay
Rs.1000.00 as registration fee that will cover lodging and boarding and
cost of the course materials. No travelling allowance will be given to
report at the workshop venue.
Interested candidates can send their biodata stating qualification, name of
the institution/ project/ protected area with whom they are associated,
experience if any, with a letter of recommendation from two referees
addressed to:
Last date for application is November 15.
Contact: The Director, Wildlife Institute of India, Post Box # 18,
Dehradun.248 001, India. Tel: 91-135-640 112/5; Fax: +91-135-640117; Email:
wii@wii.gov.in.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Appeal for funds for a film on Melghat
'The Political Economy of Khichri' is a video film being made by Nancy
Adjania, a Film and Television Institute of India graduate, on the issues
related to the Melghat region of Maharashtra, including the Melghat Tiger
Reserve. What began as an investigation into the child mortality in the
area, has evolved into an exploration of the region's various social,
economic, environmental and developmental problems. The film project
revolves around the fact that starvation arises from the alienation of
people from their resource base, traditional medicines and nutritious
indigenous foods. The film is in its final stages and the film maker has
made an appeal for funds for its completion. A funding proposal can be made
available on request.
Contact: Nancy Adjania, C-13, Usha Sadan, Near Colaba Post Office, Colaba,
Mumbai 400 005. Tel.: 91-22-215 1070; E-mail: ranjithoskote@hotmail.com.



JPAM Update is produced roughly every two months as a follow-up to the
workshop on Exploring the Possibilities of Joint Protected Area Management
(JPAM), organised at the Indian Institute of Public Administration, New
Delhi, in September 1994.
JPAM Update 18 was prepared by Anuprita Patel, Ashish Kothari, Farhad Vania
and Pankaj Sekhsaria with secretarial assistance from Vishal Thakre, on
behalf of Kalpavriksh - Environmental Action Group.
This issue has been sponsored by World Wide Fund for Nature - India.
Ideas, comments, news, and information may pl. be sent to the following
address:
Ashish Kothari
Kalpavriksh
Apartment 5, Shree Dutta Krupa
908 Deccan Gymkhana
Pune 411 004
Maharashtra
India
Telefax: 91-212-354 239
Email: ashish@giasdl01.vsnl.net.in